Tbh, we’re still lacking the squad depth to realistically make a WC quarterfinal run. What we really need are more starters in the Bundesliga, Serie A, and ideally the Premier League, basically, players consistently starting in the top 5 leagues.

Doesn’t have to be big clubs either.
Mid-table or even relegation-battling sides are fine, as long as we can build out a full three-deep roster of top 5 league players.
Right now, when you look at the projected squad and still see guys from 2nd division level teams like Southampton in the mix, it shows we’re just not there yet.